Program Director

https://ospreywilds.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Program-Director-09.16.docx.pdf

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental learning center near Sandstone, MN that provides outdoor educational opportunities to diverse audiences year-round. The Program Director provides leadership, management and execution of the highest quality environmental education programming for a wide variety of audiences. Programs include overnight, day-use and offsite K-12, virtual, college, youth, family, adult, community and senior programs and retreats/conference groups. As a senior-level administrator, this position assists the Executive Director and collaborates with the Operations Director in leadership of Osprey Wilds. 

Reports to: Executive Director 

Department: Education 

Job location: Sandstone, Minnesota 

Job Type: Full-time/regular, exempt 

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES/DUTIES: 

Program Management and Administration (30%) 

● Direct all aspects of Osprey Wilds K-12, Outreach, Youth Camp, Family Camp, Community, Wildlife & Road Scholar® programs, maintaining responsibility for appropriate, safe, and effective operations 

● Maintain oversight of programs including scheduling, staffing, learning spaces, equipment, etc. 

● Work collaboratively with Operations Director to ensure positive customer experiences while also enabling productive staff functioning across departments 

● Design, lead and support the professional development of Osprey Wilds educational program staff 

● Lead and conduct the education department’s recruitment of staff, hiring, retention, and employee performance evaluations 

● Administer program grants, including status updates and necessary reporting requirements Program 

Development, Promotion and Partnerships (20%) 

● Seek, maintain & strengthen relationships with leaders of K-12 school clients 

● Secure school attendance through retention of existing clients and recruitment of new schools 

● Support the organization’s executive, operations, and development functions 

● Assist with funding opportunities for programs, including grants and donations 

● Work with Marketing & Communications Specialist for the effective execution of Osprey Wilds marketing strategies and activities

 ● Assist in strategic planning for all Osprey Wilds programs

 ● Represent Osprey Wilds with a wide variety of local, regional and national professional organizations appropriate to the Osprey Wilds mission 

● Review financial assistance requests for programs 

● Support communication efforts, including but not limited to writing and/or editing of center literature, marketing and related efforts 

● Seek out, develop and implement new educational opportunities and programs 

Teaching (15%) 

● Teach post-secondary courses (Hamline University, J-Term and others) 

● Teach Road Scholar® programs as needed 

● Periodically teach Osprey Wilds K-12 classes 

● Maintain working knowledge of all Osprey Wilds programs & classes 

Adventure Program (10%) 

● Coordinate annual ropes courses and climbing wall third party inspections 

● Follow up on necessary actions based from report - including course modifications/equipment retirement/equipment ordering 

● Maintain ropes logs for high ropes course and climbing wall 

● Oversee archery program, maintaining equipment in working order, servicing and ordering equipment as needed 

● Oversee paddling program - ensuring canoes are current with registration, canoe, paddles and life vests are in working order and replacing as needed 

Educational Vision and Leadership (5%) 

● Lead entire Osprey Wilds educational program staff 

● Lead the design process for, implement, and evaluate organization-wide educational goals, both short and long term, to position Osprey Wilds at the leading edge of environmental education 

● Lead, create and implement successful tactics to achieve assigned objectives of the organizational strategic plan 

Financial and Business Management (5%) 

● Develop and manage operating expense budgets for education programs 

● Assist in development of revenue budget and fee setting for programs, including appropriate scoping of new and existing programs 

● Assist in development and execution of annual budget 

● Ensure cost effective, high value and efficient use of financial resources in program delivery 

Curriculum and Instructional Design Management (5%) 

● Ensure that program design and implementation remain clearly aligned to the center’s mission, goals and strategic advancement efforts 

● Review and adjust curriculum, resources and staff development in response to changing trends in the industry 

Risk Management (5%) 

● Ensure Osprey Wilds meets all local, state, and federal regulations for safety in education programs 

● Direct and oversee complete and timely safety practices for all Osprey wilds activities and facilities including policy, safety and security training for program staff 

● Review programs and facilities regularly for safety and security compliance 

● Document all safety inspections, incidents, etc. as needed on a timely basis 

Evaluation (5%) 

● Manage Cognia® reaccreditation process and evaluate and improve program based on accreditation process. 

● Manage design and implementation of all program-based evaluation activities 

● Monitor quality of education delivery, formally and informally through varieties of methods 

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS: 

● Minimum Level Education: Master’s Degree 

● Preferred: K-12 Science Licensure and K-12 classroom teaching experience ● Preferred: Adventure programming experience 

● Preferred: Experience with educational animals 

● Preferred: Nonprofit experience 

● Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communications skills 

● Experienced leader, supervisor and manager of teams in a professional setting 

● Proficiency with Google Suite, Zoom and Microsoft Office 

● Human resource management skills and experience, including commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) 

● Ability to manage budgets and read financial statements 

● Experience with risk management and emergency procedures 

● Willingness to obtain First Aid and CPR; additional certifications preferred 

● Ability to work weekends and have a flexible schedule 

● Driver’s license and ability to drive vehicles, including 15 passenger vans with trailers 

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and three references to Bryan Wood: wood@ospreywilds.org